Because of its warm temperature and the leftover nutrients of food, a mouth houses many microorganisms. These organisms, if left untreated, can multiply, creating dental plaque, which leads to tooth decay and foul odors. Antiseptic mouthwashes work to kill bacteria, reducing your risk of bad breath and the gum disease gingivitis. In addition, some mouthwashes whiten teeth and provide your mouth with a minty fresh taste and fragrance.
Original Ingredients
The first known references to mouth rinsing products date to between the seventh and 12th century A.D., when flavored oils and fragrances, such as clove, rose, cassia and spearmint, worked to freshen breath. However, mouthwash did not fully evolve until the early 19th century, when in 1879, according to Listerine's company history, Drs. Lister and Dr. Lawrence discovered that with the addition of antiseptic agents, such as carbonic acid, mouthwash could safely kill oral bacteria and promote a healthier mouth.
Current Ingredients
Most mouthwash formulations consist of water, foaming agents, ethyl alcohol, flavored oils, antimicrobial ingredients, colorants, preservatives and the element fluoride. As a simple solvent, water makes up nearly 90 percent of the product, while ethyl alcohol gives mouthwash that stinging "bite" that kills bacteria. In addition, foaming agents aid in cleansing the teeth, while fluoride, in regular applications to the external tooth surface, reduces tooth decay and increases the acid-resistance of tooth enamel.
Ingredient Effectiveness
Antiseptic mouthwash does not treat every cause of bad breath. According to Ron Robertson, PhD, of Austin Peay University, mouthwash does not eliminate infections of the mouth and throat that cause bad breath or smoking-related halitosis. Furthermore, antiseptic mouthwash ingredients do not erase the smell of garlic or onion as this odor releases gradually from the lungs and bloodstream and not from bacteria in your mouth.
Ethyl Alcohol
Research reported by Standford University suggests that the alcohol in antiseptic mouthwash might increase the risk of oral cancer. It seems that frequent rinsing can weaken the lining of the gums and oral cavity, elevating your risk of damaging chemicals affecting your DNA. Even the American Dental Association (ADA) admits that mouthwashes with more than 25 percent alcohol could increase oral cancer risks. However, most mouthwashes today contain less than 15 percent of ethyl alcohol.
Ingredient Considerations
The ADA warns that mouthwash should not replace your daily routine of brushing and flossing or regular dental check-ups because other methods of oral care provide services that mouthwash alone cannot accomplish. For example, according to Dr. Philip S. Chau of the CEBU Cardiovascular Center, bacteria living on the tongue and gums feed on bits of food lodged in between teeth, resulting in the production of sulfur compounds associated with morning breath. Although the ingredients in mouthwash might kill the bacteria causing bad breath, they do not eliminate the food left behind in teeth after eating.
